0 Shares print COLUMBUS, Ohio — On one sideline stood No. 3 Ohio State, defending national champion, winner of 23 consecutive games and 30 consecutive Big Ten regular-season games, at home before an announced crowd of 108,975, the most in the history of Ohio Stadium. On the other sideline stood No. 9 Michigan State, which not only had to face the mighty Buckeyes in their beloved Horseshoe but also, for the first time in 37 games, had to do so without senior quarterback Connor Cook, whose sprained left shoulder prevented him from playing. Did I mention Cook’s replacements, junior Tyler O’Connor and sophomore Damion Terry, would get the first significant playing time of their college careers in a blustery cold front that dropped the wind chill after halftime to 32 degrees? And that the Buckeyes created two turnovers and committed none? Put it all together, and yes, it’s advantage, Sparty. When Spartan kicker Michael Geiger, with that strong wind at his back, nailed a 41-yard field goal as time expired to upset the Buckeyes 17-14, the Big Ten East — not to mention the College Football Playoff — had been turned on its head. Yet the better team won. Michael Geiger, who made the game-winning field goal, and Tyler O’Connor, who started at QB in place of the injured Connor Cook, are both from Ohio. Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesNo team has thrived more when overlooked than No. 9 Michigan State. You would think it would be tough to overlook a team that is 9-1, won the Big Ten just two years ago and has averaged nearly 11 wins a year for the past five years. …
Continue Reading: Michigan State’s disadvantages prove an advantage against Buckeyes
